Marketing of domestic pome fruit in the state of Brandenburg is now deep into its second half. "The first half of the season, up to December, was relatively restrained. In January, February and March, on the other hand, sales were significantly better than in previous months and were also above last year's level. Easter business was also particularly brisk this year," says Peter Thuile, managing director of BB Fruchthandel Ltd, based in Altlandsberg.
Partly due to rapid destocking, current stocks are below last year's level. "Things are already getting noticeably tight for Gala and Braeburn. The same applies to the Jonagold group: as long as we can still fall back on Elstar, however, we have the opportunity to save the Jonagold stocks. Meanwhile, sufficient quantities are available for the club varieties Evelina and Tessa. All in all, we are confident that we will be able to offer our customers regional stock until the start of the new harvest," says Thuile.
Peter Thuile at the joint stand of MEV and BB Fruchthandel Ltd during Fruit Logistica 2023. At the trade show, the focus was on club variety Tessa, among others.
Good starting position for domestic stored apples
Meanwhile, quotations are on an upward trend. "In order to absorb the cost increases to some extent and continue to make investments, we would need another price increase. In my view, this would also be realistic: on the one hand, there is a lower supply volume available compared to the previous year. On the other hand, especially in the pome fruit sector, regional origin is valued, which is ideally also rewarded through the price."
Furthermore, according to Thuile, the competition, i.e. the volume pressure, from abroad is also relatively manageable: "South Tyrol exports fewer goods than usual and overseas apples are less available in view of the high price level. Finally, the cold snap means that significantly less stone and berry fruit is currently available, which is why there is relatively more access to domestic apples."
Investments in club apples and plums
For the growth of new apples, the persistent cold is by no means problematic, Thuile continues. "The advantage is precisely that the vegetation in Brandenburg is a little further behind compared to other growing regions. That means the blossoming of our apple orchards won't start for another two weeks, which is why we fortunately didn't suffer any damage."
Despite the ubiquitous cost increases, the group of companies shows a willingness to invest even in difficult times. "We are committed to continuing to invest in the cultivation of our club apple, Tessa. Due to the satisfactory demand in the past season, we have also decided to expand our area under plum cultivation this year," Thuile describes.
Appreciation for regionality
Nevertheless, the near future will remain 'challenging'. "The political framework conditions continue to cause us concern as well. Should another minimum wage increase become a fact, this would also be a major burden for our member farms. The same applies to the further restriction of approved plant protection products in commercial fruit growing. A third factor is price negotiations: In the past two years, quotations have undoubtedly been too low in relation to increased costs. A bit of appreciation for regional produce would be desirable at this point," Thuile concludes.
Images: BB Fruchthandel Ltd.
For more information:
Peter Thuile
BB Fruchthandel GmbH
Dorfstr. 37
15345 Altlandsberg OT Wesendahl
Teln: +49 (0) 33 41/ 4 98 77 - 0
Fax: +49 (0) 33 41/ 4 98 77 - 49
i[email protected]
www.bb-obst.com